Cosmetic Dermatology Staff

Roberta F. Palestine, M.D.

Roberta F. Palestine, M.D. is the founder and director of the Dermatology & Clinical Skin Care Center and has been in practice since 1982. Dr. Palestine is a board certified dermatologist. She received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University, her medical degree with honors from the University of Rochester, and she attended the world-famous Mayo Clinic for her residency in dermatology.

At Mayo, she received the coveted Paul A. O’Leary Award in recognition of excellence in patient care. “Patients have commented on how well I listen. I think that's very important in customizing treatment for each individual patient. I find it satisfying to help people optimize their appearance, because when people look better it makes them feel better and therefore enhances their self-esteem and self-confidence.”

Alison Ehrlich, M.D.

Alison Ehrlich, M.D. is a board certified dermatologist. She received her undergraduate degree from Smith College, her medical degree from George Washington University, and she completed her dermatology residency at the University of Kansas. She received a Masters in Clinical Research from Duke University and completed a clinical research fellowship at NIH.

She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic contact dermatitis and psoriasis. In addition, Dr. Ehrlich is actively engaged in research focusing on therapies for both allergic contact dermatitis and psoriasis.

Iris Kedar Rubin, M.D.

Iris Kedar Rubin, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist with specialized training in laser and cosmetic services. She received her undergraduate degree with honors from Stanford University and her medical degree from Harvard Medical School. She completed her dermatology residency training at Harvard Medical School where she served as Academic Chief Resident. She also completed a fellowship in laser surgery and cosmetic dermatology at Harvard Medical School.

Prior to joining the Dermatology & Clinical Skin Care Center, Dr. Rubin was on staff at Massachusetts General Hospital and a faculty member at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Rubin has won numerous awards including the prestigious American Medical Association Foundation's Leadership Award. Dr. Rubin specializes in the treatment of port-wine stains and is actively engaged in research to improve treatment outcomes. Dr. Rubin grew up in Maryland, and is excited to be back and practicing in her home town. She resides in Bethesda with her husband and toddler son.

Geeta M. Shah, M.D.

Dr. Geeta M. Shah, M.D., received her M.D. degree from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. She completed her dermatology residency at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio where she served as chief resident. She is board certified in dermatology.

Dr. Shah completed a fellowship in laser and cosmetic surgery at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Northern California. Her area of expertise includes the use of Botox® and dermal fillers for facial enhancement as well as laser treatment for skin of all colors for treating wrinkles, vessels, brown spots, acne scars, and surgical scars. “After undergoing these treatments, I am always hearing from my patients how great they feel and how it has changed their lives for the better. As an expertly trained cosmetic dermatologist, I can offer my patients the best quality, options, and education for these procedures.”

Khalique S. Zahir, M.D.

Khalique S. Zahir, M.D. is a native of West Virginia and came to this area after completing his General Surgery training at St. Mary's Hospital/Yale University. He gained additional training in Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Zahir is board certified by the American board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

He practices in Maryland and Northern Virginia and has staff privileges at Suburban Hospital, Fairfax Hospital, Arlington and Alexandria Hospitals. He is considered a scientific and clinical educator, having published over 20 articles in national health journals on topics related to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.